For over 50 years, the National Black Law Students Association (NBLSA) has sought to increase the number of culturally responsible Black and minority attorneys who excel academically, succeed professionally, and positively impact the community; to instill in the Black law student a greater commitment to the needs of the Black community; and to influence the legal community by bringing about meaningful legal and political change that addresses the needs and concerns of the Black community.

About the ACLU-NBLSA Southern Legal Internship Program

The ACLU has partnered with NBLSA to deepen the bench of talented, passionate, and committed civil rights and social justice attorneys in the South. The Southern Legal Internship Program (SLIP) will place legal interns at ACLU affiliates in each of the 13 states in the ACLU's Southern Collective. SLIP interns will contribute to crucial legal, policy, and organizing campaigns in the issue areas that most affect Black and Brown communities in the region, including voting rights, educational equity, gender justice, and criminal legal reform.

• Time Commitment: Full-time (35 hours/week) for 10 weeks in Summer 2027 (likely beginning June 1 or June 14, 2027)
• Compensation: $8,400
• Location: One SLIP intern will be hired by each of the ACLU Southern Collective affiliates. Until further notice, it is preferred that SLIP interns will report for in-person work (likely on a hybrid basis with some amount of remote and in-person work) at affiliate offices alongside ACLU employees. Each affiliate sets its own policies regarding any mandatory in-person work requirements.
• Orientation: Before the internship begins, SLIP interns will participate in an orientation with their cohort and staff from ACLU National and Southern Collective offices. The date and format of the orientation (including whether it will be held virtually or in person) are TBD. Travel to and from the orientation and lodging will be provided by the ACLU.

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Legal, policy, and administrative/regulatory research
• Drafting legal documents
• Drafting public-facing documents, e.g. know-your-rights documents or awareness-raising materials
• Participating in client intake
• Other projects as assigned based on affiliate placement

• Current law student at the time of application (graduating no earlier than December 2027)
• Member of the National Black Law Students Association OR membership in your law school’s Black Law Student Association chapter. o You can register for NBLSA at this link: https://nationalblsa.wildapricot.org/join-us
• Strong research and writing skills
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail
• Proficiency with Microsoft programs, such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Ability to take initiative, think creatively, problem solve, and take ownership of projects and assignments
• Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills and ability to be a team player
• Commitment to civil liberties, civil rights, and social justice

Please note that specific expectations will vary based on affiliate placement.

• To apply, use this link to submit: (1) a cover letter (1 page maximum), (2) a résumé, (3) a writing sample (10 pages maximum), and (4) proof of NBLSA or local BLSA chapter membership through the Greenhouse application link in this post.
• You will also be able to indicate the ACLU affiliates to which you want to apply.
• Application Requirement: Please label each of your materials with your full name when you upload them (ex. First Name Last Name - Resume)

PRIORITY deadline*: Sunday, November 1, 2026

FINAL deadline: Sunday, November 22, 2026

* We strongly encourage you to apply by the priority deadline*

If you have questions or want more information about SLIP, please email [email protected] AND CC: Allison Shelnut at [email protected].